LS1_Power

Alright, This is going to be my first Corvette and I am super excited to own one. I've always dreamed about owning a corvette and now heres the chance. I've came across a 1997 Black Corvette 6speed with only 28k miles on it. Asking price is 20k.

Should I pull the trigger?

Zr-1Mike00

If you are buying from a dealer 20K seems about right. I would think KBB would put a car like that in good condition right around 20K.

Private party though 17K seems closer to the mark. Plus you are in the off season depending on where you live that is. So prices may come down a bit. But then again I've seen some on here get cars like that for 15K and sometimes even under.

BUTTTT as always, IF it is the car YOU want, and is a price YOU are willing to pay to get it then by all means! Regardless when you get in it and drive it after the purchase you will forget all about the $$.

One bit of advice... Take your time and find the right car for you. Craigslist, Ebay, C5's For Sale Section, CarGurus, Cars.com, Dealers in your extended area. Do your research, test drive a bunch and work towards a price you are willing to pay.

GOOD LUCK in the hunt for your first Vette! And welcome to the Forum. Oh and when you do get it, which you will eventually post up some pics and always.... Dont forget to wave!

LS1_Power

Thank you so much for the response!! I need more research. Is there like a guide or something that i need to go by and check? Im new to the forum and want to learn as much as possible.

JW Motorsports

Not the best deal, but ok I guess for the mileage. I paid 21k for my 99 coupe 6 years ago (50k miles). I personally wouldn't pay that for a 97. It hasn't moved a lot which isn't always good.

racebum

you'll be able to find a 2001+ with that mileage in perfect shape for that money. 20k is a lot of a c5 and too much for a 1997.

not long ago a guy came on here with a 167 mile 2001 coupe that later sold for 23k.

if you buy that 1997 you'll never get near that trying to sell it again, people will come at you with 13,14, mayyybe 15 and that's if you don't run up the miles

you can also get decent driver c6's for 20k now. 20 flat has been the general close for a 65-75k mile loaded z51 2005 car

example:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2005-...orcev4exp=true

as for c5's theres a nice 50k mile 2002 vert going no reserve at: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2002-...#ht_500wt_1182

i'm curious what this fetches myself. lot of c5s all have reserves and never close. just for kicks i'll guess 16.5k ish, we'll see how close i am in about 12 hours

LS1_Power

Thanks a lot guys. I have no clue how much corvette goes now a days. More researching!

LS1_Power

Anyone know anything about the 1997/1998 that has the "ring" problem? Kinda scared now that i have read that. Knowning the car is only at 28k miles and its a 1997.

bladex10

Way too much for a 97. Like others said, you can get a much newer c5 for that.

memmer

I purchased my pristine white 2001 convertible with 37k on the clock for $21k.If you can swing it ,I would try to get a 2001 or better fo that kind of money and there was a whole lot of upgrades in 01 and later.
Fred

Vetteman Jack

The price does seem high for a '97 - later models can be had for that kind of money.

I have a lot of Word files, including a Corvette Buyers Checklist, that might help you out when you go to check out a Corvette for purchase. If you'd like a copy of the files, just PM me your e-mail address.

cor66vette

I agree that the price seems high. And take Jack up on his offer for the "Corvette Buyer's Checklist". Good luck.

calvins

Just bought a loaded '03 coupe in pristine cond w/ 30k miles for 23.5 + taxes and chit.

I also wouldn't overlook http://www.hendrickcars.com/

Don't know where you are. Their dealerships are down south but they ship.

LS1_Power

Im located in Tennessee. If i can find a newer, possibly a c6 for a grand or 2 more. I would love that. But it seems like dealers wants an arm and leg, even for an 05. And as for miles, high mileage doesnt bother me as much. I will be planning to keep the car for a very long time. But it has to be a manual. Had to convince the wife saying its ok to own an vette. LOL

CQRT

Spend some time looking at the private owner section of your area Craigs List to get a feel for features, years and prices . . and buy as new as you can afford since you don't seem to have a strong sense one way or the other.

You may also want to visit a dealer only to be able to put butt in seat and develop a better preference. That said, I would not encourage you to shop for a $20k C6 as it's likely to be well-worn or have issues. If it's your first Vette, take your time and figure out what you want and a budget.

Finally, learn more, read more and be patient- the right one is out there.

LS1_Power

Thanks CQRT

LS1_Power

http://nashville.craigslist.org/ctd/3484137166.html
http://nashville.craigslist.org/ctd/3396028781.html
Found these. Price seem to be a little high. The 04 seems to be the best. What you guys think?

Edit: The 04 is sold. FML!!!!!

kimmer

Don't do it, its way too high. Take your time, do your research and you will find the right car at the right price. There's a ton of them out there for sale.

mikes1hog

You say that this would be your first Corvette. How mechanically inclined are you? This will determine how little you can spend on a high mileage, USED vehicle. If you are not "mechanical," look for a Corvette as you would any used car. You want a one-owner, a well documented vehicle to include service records, garaged?, appearance -inside and out, tire condition, "smell" the oil, remember 6 spds have a built in flaw that requires you to change the fluid 2x/year or so depending on the way you drive. Do you want a convertible or a coupe? And finally, how much should you pay? And that depends on (1) KBB (2) your head (3) your heart & (4) your negotiating skills. There is, for example, a dealership in Atlanta that will give you a warranty on a C5; of course, you will pay a premium for the car. An example of a private sale: I have an '04 Convertible with 8500 miles on the clock that meets all the above criteria except I am the second owner; IF I were to sell the car, I would want $27,500 [it's not for sale]. BTW, this is the most enjoyable time, the hunt for the right Corvette. If you follow these basic rules, you will be OK.

guido7834

Look for a 2001 or newer...

fishbust

LS1 it is near impossible to post a year and price and ask if it is priced right.

A car can easily have 7 grand in intake, exhaust, wheels, brakes and tires alone and not even including the really high end stuff, stereo system or new updated interior. All these things can greatly effect price and/or what a person is willing to pay for a car. And some folks do not want any of it (like me) so we can build up a clean base car exactly the way we want.

You need pics and details and add ons and also its needs to reach out for advice on a buy or walk.